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Thursday, March 31, 2016

"Hi Jill! Happy Easter!Have you done any blog posts or instructions about how to start a one name study? A man in Vic & I have *Surname* from County Clare & we're keen to start a study, but not sure where to start. Thanks".Well, I have started a Surname study, CurryAus, but even though I am a beginner I have some ideas to share. I thought it would be easiest to do this in a video where I can share my screen so here goes.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

As I gaze out my window this morning I see that a few of my Camellias are beginning to bloom. Camellias are among my favourite plants and, although I haven't counted, I estimate that I have well over fifty camellia plants of various ages and varieties in my garden. There were only two when we moved into the place but each year since we arrived we have added a few more to the collectionI love them because they survive with little care, do not need much water and the rabbits that infest our property have not acquired a taste for them. I was wondering when Camellias first appeared in Australia so, as it's Trove Tuesday, I turned to Trove.I learnt from The Launceston Advertiser that in 1835 "Mr. Short.who has arrived by the Lloyds, is, we learn, an experienced naturalist, and the intimate friend of Dr. Hooker of Glasgow, he has, we learn, brought over a very valuable collection of plants, wanting in the colony, and the beautiful ca-mellia now in the garden of Mr. R C. Gunn, of Launceston, was sent out by him." (1835 'No title', Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), 10 September, p. 3. , viewed 29 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8477453).In 1842 Camellias were exhibited in Sydney at a "Floral and Horticultural Exhibition" at the Markets. Mr R Henderson was awarded a 1st minor prize for Camellias. (1842 'FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 16 September, p. 2. , viewed 29 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37114267).By 1847 John McMahon of Camden, NSW is advertising Useful and Ornamental Plants for sale which include "" Several hundred species and varieties of Tree Shrubs, and other Plants, including fifteen varieties of Camellia; 6 species Magnolia; 11 varieties Nerium or Laurel Rose : 6 [?] Viburnum; ,10 species Passion Flowers ; 40 varieties of Roses, &c., &c" (1847 'USEFUL AND ORNAMENTAL PLANT'S', The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), 13 July, p. 4. , viewed 29 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37128619").

A lengthy article offering advice for the camellia gardener also appeared in 1847.

Friday, March 25, 2016

I'm dragging the chain with my post this week and it's all the fault of Paul, my genimate in San Diego. Paul posted a pedigree chart with a difference on Facebook. It was so popular that many genies around the world followed his lead and posted their charts on Facebook, Twitter and on their blogs.

I have spent too much time today looking at many of these charts and learning about my genimates' ancestry.

I am supposed to be all moved in and organised in my new Geneaspace by tomorrow but I have been
distracted. Each cupboard, drawer or shelf I empty delivers some treasure that requires perusal.

Today I came across my small collection of pens, pencils and other novelties that I have collected at conferences and repositories. I've put the pens and pencils in a little container and deposited them on a shelf where they will gather dust. I can't throw them out because they remind me of how fortunate I have been to visit so many places and attend some extraordinary events.

As I was reminiscing with these writing instruments a word to describe them and the other things I collect from conferences and repositories just popped into my head.

These are some of my Sougenirs.....now I'm must away and add the term to my Geneadictionary.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

My genimate, J Paul Hawthorne, posted a cool pedigree chart he had done in Excel on Facebook several hours ago and since that time my Facebook stream has been overtaken with genies following Paul's lead.

Here is my five generation pedigree chart by place of birth of my ancestors.

I was wondering how to set this up in Excel when Judy G Russell posted these instructions on Facebook "I just copied the format using Excel. First cell is rows 11-21, then five rows up and down for column 2, 3 rows up and down for column 3 and one up and down each for columns 4 and 5." With Judy's instructions compiling the list was a piece of cake.Thanks Paul and Judy - it was a fun activity.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

I wondered if swimming carnivals were held in New South Wales 1916, if they were common place and where they were held. Trove, of course, came up trumps.

A carnival in Wagga Wagga was held at Viaduct beach on Murrumbidgee River. Tha carnival at Gundagai was also held in the Murrumbidgee River (1916 'SWIMMING CARNIVAL', The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), 18 February, p. 4. , viewed 21 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123527856).

In Grafton the High School held its carnival in the Grafton Baths (1916 'SWIMMING CARNIVAL.', Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), 1 March, p. 2. , viewed 21 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article194988097). The Surf Swimming Carnival in Newcastle was held in the Ocean Baths (1916 'SWIMMING CARNIVAL.', Sydney Sportsman (Surry Hills, NSW : 1900 - 1954), 1 March, p. 2. , viewed 21 Mar 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167266726).I was fascinated at some of the events in the Parramatta High School Carnival at the Centennial Baths. I must find out about Chasing the duck and Chase the Bellman.

A number of things surprised me. There were carnivals in many rural regions quite a few of which had baths, schools were hosting carnivals way back then and the Carnival proceeds were distributed to charities. Trove has enlightenend me again.

Monday, March 21, 2016

When I embark on a project I usually stick with it but today you're looking at a Dropout. I expressed my disappointment with the University of Tasmania's Introduction to Family History Course last week when I compared it with a similar offering from the University of Strathclyde. I am enjoying the Strathclyde course but I was totally frustrated with the course from Tasmania for a number of reasons. It was interesting, at a family history group meeting, last week that when I discussed the course with two other students they shared my concerns. I had committed to continuing with the Tasmanian course but then yesterday I realised I had quite a few things on my plate and rather than battle on my purposes would be better served by working on other things and concentrating on the Strathclyde course. This morning I withdrew from the course at The University of Tasmania.

A contributing factor to my withdrawal was finding, on a list of recommended reading, one of Barry J Ewell's works. I'm concerned that due diligence may not have been observed in selecting this text for the course. Surely the bona fides of a recommended author must be investigated before placing a work on a reading list. I find it most disappointing that a tertiary institution that has a commitment to high standards of ethics would use a text from someone whose reputation is in doubt.

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Mr GeniAus loves emptying the letterbox to see what surprises it has in store for him. Being a good person he does not open mail addressed to me but sometimes he is curious as to the contents. Friday's delivery brought a delightful surprise in an envelope that contained something solid and that had a return address we didn't recognise. Our curiosity was piqued so I opened it as soon as he gave it me.

Those who know me well know that I am fond of bling, both real bling and geneabling.

A note in the envelope said "Found this just after you became a "Rockstar" so I thought it could go with your Genie Beads! I hadn't got it away before you went to Rootstech so held on to it!

I am thrilled that Chez popped the letter in the post. She is one thoughtful genimate.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

I made this quick video today to answer a question form another geneablogger.

If this doesn't work it is probably because she has a large image in her sidebar. What she needs to do is to go to the image widget in Layout and tick the Shrink to Fit box. That should solve the issue.

I am pleased to report that the death certificate for my ancestor, Michael Harrington Ryan, that I ordered on 14 March arrived as a .pdf file in my inbox just four days later on 18 March. What a quick turnaround!

What is especially pleasing is that this document contains an image from the original register entry. The certificates I have received over the past few years have contained typed transcriptions from the original registers. Reverting to images of the original entries removes the likelihood of entries being mistyped from the sometimes poor handwriting in the registers. It is, of course, up to us now to correctly decode the sometimes illegible writing.

Some weeks I feel like an errant schoolgirl who has to find excuses for not doing her homework. While this week I have managed to keep up with Australian blogs I have fallen behind in reading those from overseas. Participating in two online family history courses has seriously eaten into my blog reading time. I still, however, have several gems to offer.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

On the 17th March, St Patrick's Day, each year I think of my Irish ancestors who made the perilous trip to Australia. Seven years ago I wrote about my ancestor Patrick Curry/Corry.

I have edited and am reposting that article today.

I wonder what our ancestors thought as they left their homes in England, Ireland and Scotland to sail to this distant and strange land. A dozen of my ancestors were convicts transported to Australia for petty crimes, some were young Irish lads and lasses, bounty (assisted) immigrants, who left home during the time of The Great Irish Potato Famine of the 1840’s. A couple were free settlers, people who travelled to Australia of their own free will in the hope of a better life.Recently I spoke to a distant cousin, a 75 year old Scottish lady, who emigrated with her family in 1953. When they left Scotland food rationing was still in place; on arrival in Australia they could not believe the quality and quantity of food they were served at their first family lunch, she thought she was in heaven. She said that her parents never regretted leaving Scotland as they wanted a "better life" for their children and she felt that this goal had been achieved.My 3rd great grandfather, Patrick (Paddy) Curry from Limerick in Ireland , arrived as a convict on the Hooghley in 1825. He was assigned to work at Camden Park a property of the pioneering Macarthur family. On 8th June 1848 The Sydney Morning Herald published an interview from 1846 from Caroline Chisholm with Patrick on the advantages of emigration. Patrick felt that he was most fortunate to be in New South Wales.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

It seems like I have been moving into my new Geneachapel for weeks and I have. I have set Friday 25 March, the day before the family arrive for the Easter weekend, as the day I need to be set up. My old Geneacave must be clear for sleeping accommodation.

My recent bout of asthma took the wind out of my sails so I have been having a lazy time. I love working in my light-filled room with its view of our garden. As I was feeling better this week, with the help of Mr GeniAus, I moved another bookshelf into the room and partially filled another. I snapped a few pics of my progress.

There is more space than I anticipated, maybe I need a nice comfy reading chair.

Shelves to be stacked and files to be sorted

The Geneadesk

I can even tune into Geneaentertainment

The good news is that Paddy the pup, my Geneapet, is enjoying the space too.

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

My Dad, Allan John Curry, used to talk about his time at Bangaroo Public School near Canowindra, NSW. He enjoyed his school days. Today I took to Trove to see if I could locate any information on the school.

In spite of leaving school at 13 to work on the family farm Dad's literacy and numeracy skills were well developed. He must have received a good foundation in the 3rs during his time at Bangaroo.

As there were two schools at Bangaroo I was never sure which one Dad attended but in reading through articles on Trove I have concluded that it was Bangaroo school that Dad attended not Bangaroo North.

Dad used talk of his teacher A. Grabham. Trove confirmed that Mr Grabham was at Bangaroo School as he received a transfer from that school to another in 1932 (When Dad was 13). I can't remember Dad mentioning P. O'Donaghue who took over from Grabham.

Monday, March 14, 2016

I don't do things by halves I have taken the opportunity to enrol in two free online introductory courses in family history.

When I was at the Society of Australian Genealogists a few weeks ago and told two of my genimates who have already undertaken the University of Tasmania Intrroduction to Family History course they giggled and told me that I would be frustrated by the course. They weren't wrong. How frustrating it was to spend the first 2 weeks of this course on administrivia and learning to use the online messaging and learning system. MYLO the system that delivers their online learning is clunky. Locating replies to one's messages in the system requires determination and lots of digging. It is not at all intuitive.

Like a trooper I have stuck with the course and have now completed Weeks 1-3 and about 50% of the requirements for week 4. What concerns me mostly is that the course is based on a very traditional 20th century version of genealogy research. So far no mention has been made of the value of using one of the many excellent computer software programs that are available to family historians to record the data they research. Some of the resources that have been suggested would not be at the top of my list. I am concerned that the online multiple guess questions asked in the quizzes are very simple and do not really measure learning.

This afternoon I logged in to the University of Strathclyde Researching your Family Tree course which commenced today. What a difference! The interface is clean and intuitive and learners don't need to devote two whole weeks to learning to navigate the interface. Sure I pressed the wrong key a couple of times but it was easy to find my way back to the beginning and continue with my work.

1995

The course coordinators have introduced themselves, the learning outcomes have been explained, some definitions shared and we have already started learning. This is in contrast to the course from Tasmania. The materials in the Strathclyde course are organised so that one does not have to jump back and forwards to find course materials.

Of course I may change my mind as I progress through the Tasmanian course but for the moment my money is on the course from the University of Strathclyde.

Sunday, March 13, 2016

One of the best birthday presents I received last year was a voucher for a bookstore because it forced me to buy books. If I'm given a more general voucher I'm likely to buy another kitchen gadget or piece of clothing that I don't need....but we always need books.

Why I am blogging about this book on my genealogy blog is that Magda spent a lot of time telling her family story in Poland and Scotland and discussing the influences her grandparents and others had on her. There was a delving examination of Magda's relationship with her father which was a çentral theme throughout the work.

The serious tone of the book in which Magda openly discusses the emotional turmoils she has dealt with during her life was a surprise. It came across as a very honest, warts and all, recount. There were touches of humour many of which would resonate with Catholic schoolgirls.

A reviewer described the language in this book as "eloquent and moving". I had not expected to find such a well written book and was surprised and delighted at the quality of Magdas writing.When I purchased this book it was only available in hardcover and was quite expensive although I got it at a special price. I'm not suggesting that you run out and pay nearly $50 for this book but if you see it in your local library you might borrow it. It promises so much more than a litany of recollections from a funny lady.

Friday, March 11, 2016

The thought of upgrading software fills me with fear and trepidation but I am pleased to report that the free upgrade to Family Historian version 6.1 that I applied last week went off without a hitch.

I haven't noticed much difference in the program except with the entering of surnames which used to be enclosed within forward slashes . The need to use these forward slashes has disappeared so that's good.

I must thank Simon Ordeand his team for pushing out this free upgrade which takes on board many suggestions made by former users of The Master Genealogist and Family Tree Maker who have migrated to Family Historian.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

What I now like about the webinars from the Society of Australian Genealogists is that, if one can't listen to the webinar live, one has an option to go back and listen to a recording at a later date.

When this Society first offered webinars one had to listen to them live and I missed a couple that I had paid for because something else came up at the scheduled time. The most recent webinar that I signed up for was Cemetery Collections of the SAG with Heather Garnsey, Executive Officer, speaking about the cemetery records and information that the society has available for members. I had intended listening to this live but when an opportunity to have dinner with some fellow genealogists and Judy G Russell in Sydney came up I ditched the webinar. Soon after the webinar I received an email with a link indicating that I would be able to watch or listen to the program at my leisure in the next few weeks.

I've had an informative and pleasant time this morning listening to Heather give her presentation which reminded me of the treasures that the Society of Australian Genealogists has for us in its collection. Although I have been a member for a number of years I rarely visit the Society in the city but having listened to Heather I realise that it's time for a visit.

I haven't thought much about what the collection might hold for me but I was surprised to learn that there were maps, indexes, photographs, memorial cards, memorial booklets, stonemasons records', funeral directors' records and other cemetery ephemera in the collection.

The value of this collection is that it is an historical collection containing records produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It includes contemporary records for cemeteries that no longer exist like the Old Sydney Burial Ground and Camperdown Cemetery.

On my CurryAus surname study task list now is a task to search for Curry in the catalogues at the society. A browse of the cemetery records in the Society's library is another job for me.

As I am now able to watch the Society's webinars at a time that suits me I will enrol in several more. The provision of webinars has certainly added value to the subscription I pay to the Society each year. It was also pleasing to hear Heather say that even more online offerings will be coming from the Society for members in the future.I have been known to grumble about the fees charged by the Society but realise that these, coupled with the work of an army of volunteers, provide me with access to a very valuable collection.